BOOKS
ABOUT
The Dustfolk Suite is a symphonic suite telling the story of a young deaf girl named Misty who is given the gift of hearing and enters a world of music, adventure, and imagination. It is accompanied by a forthcoming novel by the title March of the Dustfolk. Together, the music and the novel comprise Cook's second "symphonic novel." The music now streams worldwide on all platforms, released by Lexicon Classics.
MUSIC
story
The Dustfolk Suite by Matt Cook is a symphonic fantasy centered on Misty, a young deaf girl who discovers a hidden world belonging to the Dustfolk—mysterious beings born from forgotten dreams, fears, and fragments of imagination. As Misty is suddenly given the ability to hear, she is drawn into an adventure that is ultimately less about sound itself and more about learning to believe in her own worth and courage. The Dustfolk serve as a metaphor for her confidence: the hidden inner strength people often fail to see within themselves until they are forced to confront fear, isolation, and self-doubt.
For the deaf and hard of hearing community, the suite carries a powerful message that music and imagination are not exclusive to the hearing world. Misty’s journey is one of empowerment and self-discovery. Music becomes more than sound. It becomes emotion, vibration, movement, wonder, and connection.
At its heart, the Dustfolk Suite is about the importance of imagination and wonder in a child’s heart—and the importance of confidence and fortitude. With a deaf protagonist at the center of this epic orchestral narrative, the story offers rare representation while celebrating resilience and creativity. The result is both a cinematic musical experience and a broader statement that beauty, adventure, and the power of music belong to all.
TEAM
Matt Cook, Ph.D.
Composer, Author
Matt is an economist, composer, Los Angeles Times bestselling author, and executive film producer based in Los Angeles. He tells stories through writing, music, magic, and numbers. As an economist, he has worked in entertainment finance and founded a government transparency organization. Drawing from experience in over 185 countries, he enjoys infusing his musical compositions with international intrigue. He was personally honored by President George W. Bush with the Presidential Call to Service Award. Outside of his creative work, Matt is also a PADI divemaster and pilot of land and sea planes.
NOAH TAYLOR
Producer
Noah D. Taylor is a composer, orchestrator and arranger for film, television, interactive media and symphonic concerts. He has composed original music for independent films, documentaries, promotional and social media videos. As the staff arranger for the United States Military Academy at West Point, Noah D. Taylor has arranged and produced music that has been featured on prominent television networks, including CBS Sports, Fox News and NBC.